By Daniel Kohn on June 1, 2011

Since the members of Pearl Jam have released solo albums and side projects, it was just a matter of time before its frontman, Eddie Vedder, went out on his own, too—which he did in 2007 for the soundtrack to Into the Wild. Here, armed only with his iconic vocals and a ukulele, Vedder’s sophomore album is an eclectic mix of tunes ranging from Vedder covering himself (Riot Act’s “Can’t Keep) and others (The Everly Brothers’ “Sleepless Nights”), as well as originals (songs like “Without You” and “Dream a Little Dream,” serving as delicate and soothing lullabies). Like his work with Pearl Jam, the singer’s trademark baritone is balanced with heartfelt lyrics, which are best reflected on the introspective “Longing to Belong.” Don’t fret, Pearl Jam fans. Vedder isn’t leaving his day job anytime soon, but he demonstrates that even the simplest formula of a man and his ukulele can be a complex, beautiful thing.